Should I Buy A New Computer?

[hellywelly4]

My desktop computer is 10 years old, and I'm beginning to worry that it will suddenly pack up on me. I remember my grandson replacing the motherboard a few (can't remember how many) years ago, and I'm just starting to get anxious.
Any advice/suggestions appreciated bearing in mind my age (74) and the fact that I only really use email, banking, facebook and 'googling'. I don't download anything very often, so I don't want anything complicated.

[tamborine]

If it works dont change till necessary. Newer models get cheaper by the hour and some (with Windows8) are soul destroying. My new W8 lappy is back in its packaging since Xmas 2013 as I cant get on with it......g'dter is getting it this xmas coz she just plays games.

[Jomlett]

Impressive Chromebook for the cost. http://cnet.co/1oCdJWH via @CNET

[hellywelly4]

`I've had a look at a Chromebook on line, but would need to have Windows as that's what a learned with. Also, Tambo, I'm afraid of my computer just stopping working, like it did before when I had the new motherboard.
Thank you for your interest, anyway.

[VHG]

If your computer is 10 years old it is probably running Windows XP, and if it is, and you are doing online banking, that is very risky.

Microsoft have stopped issuing security patches for XP, and the hackers are now trying to write more hacks to enable them to get into XP.

If you get scammed doing online banking your bank may refuse to pay out if they find out you are using Windows XP.

[Gromit]

You should make a full daily back up of your computer daily to an external disk or cloud storage.

Then keep using your computer. Only get a new on if it breaks. When it does you can just pull back all your data, and you will not have lost anything. Anxiety gone.

[Gromit]

Most high street banks recommend you use a security programme called Rapport when you do your on-line banking. If you are using XP, enquire at your bank if they use Rapport. If they do, you should be safe banking, even on an old system.

[Old_Geezer]

In my opinion if it ain't broke, don't fix it. I assume you are not getting frustrated with its performance.

The security thing is a valid point though. Why not check with your bank their position on your access using Windows XP ?

[hellywelly4]

Thank you all very much. I've got Windows 7, so hope that is OK for the banking. I've since spoken to a friend who said the same as spathiphyllum, and I think I will go along with that idea rather than spend on a new one. The one I'm using is fine, but sometimes it stops and I have to re-start it, or the connection with the internet breaks and it's then that I've started to panic. I have to admit I would be lost without my computer!

[Sycamore3House]

My old computer just used to stop. Apparently it was the fan that cooled the insides that had stopped working so it was overheating. But 10 years is a good age for a computer.